“Rigidity Will Kill!” Why Dealers Must Pivot Strategy Now (+ How to Build a Moat Against China) | Rob Cochran, 2026 Chairman of NADA and CEO of #1 Cochran
Today I'm joined by Rob Cochran, 2026 Chairman of NADA and CEO of #1 Cochran.
We dive into the high-stakes world of dealer advocacy, exploring how NADA defeated the onerous CARS rule and why the FTC still has the industry in its crosshairs.
Rob breaks down the "alignment gap" between OEMs and dealers, the looming threat of Chinese EVs, and why the franchise system must overhaul the customer experience to survive.
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Topics:
06:25 The FTC Rule That Almost Broke Dealers.
09:45 Why The FTC Is Watching Your Website Price.
13:35 NADA's Smart Fight Against OEM Overreach.
16:40 Why 97% Of Dealers Hate Stair Steps.
23:10 The 90-Day Problem Ruining Generational Plans.
26:00 The China Threat Dealers Ignore.
29:55 Would Rob Ever Sell A Chinese Franchise?
31:25 Billions At Risk From New OEMs.
41:25 The Trait That Prevents Business Death.
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